Jefferson City Missouri Real Estate BLog

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Current Mortgage Loan Rates for Jefferson City

Mortgage Loan Rates-January 15, 2009

30 year --- 5.00%
20 year --- 4.875%
15 year --- 4.75%
10 year --- 4.75%

Rates subject to change at any timeProvided by Lynne Bateman, Mid America Bank, 573-896-4790 Rates quoted above are for qualified borrowers with a 95% loan-to-value (LTV) or less. Please call for rates on mortgage loans with 95.01%-97% LTV. Rates subject to change at any time without notice Credit scores may adversely affect quoted rates.

If you're thinking of selling or buying in the Jefferson City Missouri Area, contact Hank Vogt direct at (573)761-3485 or online at www.hankshouses.com . “I want to be your Jefferson City Real Estate Resource ~ I am at your service!

Winter Home Protection Tips

While you can't change the weather, you can minimize some of winter's biggest threats to your home. Remember the phrase out of sight out of mind? That could also go for portions of your house. And with these cold temperatures that could cost you big.
For instance, when did you last check pipes underneath your house?

Friday, December 5, 2008

Current Mortgage Loan Rates for Jefferson City

Mortgage Loan Rates-December 5, 2008

30 year 5.375%
20 year 5.25%
15 year 5.00%
10 year 5.00%

Rates subject to change at any time

Provided by Lynne Bateman, Mid America Bank, 573-896-4790 Rates quoted above are for qualified borrowers with a 95% loan-to-value (LTV) or less. Please call for rates on mortgage loans with 95.01%-97% LTV. Rates subject to change at any time without notice Credit scores may adversely affect quoted rates.

If you're thinking of selling or buying in the Jefferson City Missouri Area, contact Hank Vogt direct at (573)761-3485 or online at www.hankshouses.com . “I want to be your Jefferson City Real Estate Resource ~ I am at your service!

Have Yourself a Safe Little Christmas

Keep your holidays happy by following these easy safety tips

It's that time of year again. Time to deck the halls, hang the stockings and create your very own winter wonderland. However, before you jingle your first bell, you should develop a holiday safety plan for your family and home.

Your plan should start with your tree. If its a natural Christmas tree, keep it away from heavy traffic it won't be bumped into. Make sure the tree is protected from heaters, stoves and fireplaces, and never use lighted candles to decorate a live or artificial tree. Read more ...

Online home listings don't tell whole story

The Internet has changed the way we buy and sell houses. Most listings of homes for sale can be found on the Internet. Realtor.com, the world's largest real estate database of homes for sale, carries information on more than 3 million listings.

According to the 2007 National Association Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 84 percent of home buyers used the Internet for information at some point during their home search. This is up from 37 percent in 1999.

Real estate Internet sites allow home buyers and sellers to peruse the inventory of homes for sale relatively effortlessly. Many sites allow visitors to set up a notification system that will alert them when new listings that fit their search criteria hit the market. Read more....

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Tip of the Week

How to clean up your yard and leaves for fall

Cleaning up your yard after all the fall leaves have fallen can be an overwhelming job. It is important to rake, blow, mulch, or bag up your leaves though. If you let them go, your yard will be dead come Spring time. Here are some hints to making this job a little easier and maybe even a little (just a little fun)! Read more....

*** Jefferson City provides a location to drop off yard waste. The hours of operation vary with the seasons. There is No Charge to City residents who haul their own waste. Free first ground compost is available. Yard Waste (leaves, grass clippings, tree trimmings) will NOT be picked up by the trash collection company. For location and hours, Click Here ...

If you're thinking of selling or buying real estate in the Jefferson City Missouri Area, contact Hank Vogt direct at (573)761-3485 or online at www.hankshouses.com . “I want to be your Jefferson City Real Estate Resource ~ I am at your service!”

Purchase offers: How low is too low?

Buyers on today's market who think every seller is desperate, or who think that every desperate seller is willing or even able to accept a lowball offer, are being unrealistic and setting themselves up for failure. Unfortunately, some buyers have to lose their dream home (or two) before they acknowledge that a buyer's market does not mean that you can buy a home for 75 percent below market value.

There are a number of important considerations that should factor into your decision of what to offer. Read more.....

Termite Control

Termites cause billions of dollars in damage each year. They primarily feed on wood, but also damage paper, books, insulation, and even swimming pool liners and filtration systems. Termites can injure living trees and shrubs, but more often are a secondary invader of woody plants already in decline. While buildings may become infested at any time, termites are of particular importance when buying or selling a home since a termite inspection/infestation report is normally a condition of sale. Besides the monetary impact, thousands of winged termites emerging inside one's home are an emotionally trying experience — not to mention the thought of termites silently feasting on one's largest investment. Read more....

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Tip of the Week

The Consumer Products Safety Commission estimates that there are over 24,000 dryer fires each year, causing over $96 million in property damages. When lint builds up in dryer vents, the dryer motor has to labor harder, and can overheat, igniting the lint!
Do you want your appliance to work more efficiently? If it’s taking longer than usual to dry your clothes, it’s time to get your dryer vent cleaned out!

Schedule your dryer vent cleaning at the same time you clean your fireplace, furnace and air ducts.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

REALTORS raise funds for Samaritan Center Utility Assistance Program

SIXTH ANNUAL

REALTORS & friends

"Keep the Home Fires Burning"

Chili Supper
Tuesday, October 21 • 4:00 to 8:00 P.M.
Eagles, 1411 Missouri Blvd. ~ Tickets: ONLY $7.00
Pick up from your local REALTOR® or at the door.
Sponsored by the Jefferson City Area Board of REALTORS®
All proceeds benefit The Samaritan Center’s Utility Assistance Program. To further assist the Samaritan Center with their need for food, we will also be collecting non-perishable food items.

Over the last five years, we have raised over $28,000 for families who are in need of utility assistance. Having a warm home during the rough winter months is something we may take for granted, but unfortunately is not a reality for some. Proceeds from the event are earmarked for the Samaritan Center utility assistance program. The Samaritan Center in Jefferson City helps the needy in Cole, Osage, Maries, Miller, Moniteau and Southern Callaway counties. Please come out and help us support this very worthy cause!!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Two types of home are selling NOW!

I thought this was a great (and accurate) quote!

Two types of homes are selling right now—houses that are great values and houses that are great. The key is to make your home both, edging out whatever competitors might be next door, in the same neighborhood or in the same community. Sellers can't change their property's location, but they do control condition and listing price. Read more...

If you're thinking of selling or buying real estate in the Jefferson City Missouri Area, contact Hank Vogt direct at (573)761-3485 or online at www.hankshouses.com . “I want to be your Jefferson City Real Estate Resource ~ I am at your service!”

10 Tips for Fall

Since Fall is near ....or already here, I am passing along some safety and maintenance tips that you might find helpful as you say goodbye to the warm days of Summer and prepare for the cold Winter months. The crisp, cool weather make autumn the perfect time to work on these winterizing chores. Time spent now will lessen the time it could take to fix problems later.

1. Run all gas-powered lawn equipment until the fuel tank is empty.
By doing this, you are removing flammable liquid storage from your garage. At the same time, make sure you aren't storing dirty, oily rags in a pile. They can ignite spontaneously.

2. Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean the flues and check your fireplace damper.
Soot and creosote, which build up inside the chimney, can ignite when a fire is lit in the fireplace.

3. Make sure the caulking or weather stripping around doors and windows is adequate to reduce heat/cooling loss.
Check glazing for loose or missing putty or glazing compound. Make sure weather stripping is not brittle and breaking. This will reduce heating costs as well as help reduce water damage to the windows and door frames.

4. Remove bird nests from chimney flues and outdoor electrical fixtures.
Bird nests on top of light fixtures are a fire hazard. Bird nests in chimney flues can prevent a proper venting of combustion gases and can catch fire from sparks.

5. Clean out gutters and downspouts.
Cleaning debris and fallen leaves reduces the chances of an ice dam forming. One good step is to spray water down the downspouts to wash away leaves and other debris. A good tip is to place gutter screens over gutters.

6. Roof: If you have a sloped roof, look for shingles that are cracked, curled, loose, damaged, or missing and repair or replace them. If you have a flat roof, clean off leaves and branches, and cut back overhanging tree limbs.

7. Grading: Any and all surfaces next to the exterior walls should be sloped to shed water away from the house. This is most important on warm winter days, as melting snow runs quickly across the surface of frozen ground. If the grading is incorrect, water will potentially flow into the house, causing basement leakage. Now is the time to use a shovel to re-slope the grass, or call a paving contractor to correct a negatively sloped walkway or driveway.

8. Turn Off Outside Taps: Unless they are frost-proof, drain and turn off taps and external pipes to prevent bursting due to freezing. Drain garden hoses and store inside to prevent from getting brittle from freezing temperatures.

9. Lawn Care: Tender plants need protection from the cold, foundation plantings need approximately four inches of mulch. Be sure to change wood mulch often and/or treat it with insect repellant ....you dont want a termite problem! You could use rubber mulch instead, it may be more expensive but it lasts longer. Rake leaves from yard and prune shrubs and trees, making sure limbs do not touch your home.

10. Misc: Start to put away tools and equipment left outdoors during the summer such as play equipment, lawn mowers, barbecues, patio furniture, flower bed ornaments, and gardening tools. It may be time to winterize your pool and outdoor hot tub, too.

If you're thinking of selling or buying in the Jefferson City Missouri Area, contact Hank Vogt direct at (573)761-3485 or online at www.hankshouses.com . “I want to be your Jefferson City Real Estate Resource ~ I am at your service!”

Monday, September 29, 2008

Jefferson City Mortgage Rates

Mortgage Loan Rates-September 29, 2008

30 year 6.00%
20 year 5.875%
15 year 5.625%
10 year 5.625%

Provided by Lynne Bateman, Mid America Bank, 573-896-4790 Rates quoted above are for qualified borrowers with a 95% loan-to-value (LTV) or less. Please call for rates on mortgage loans with 95.01%-97% LTV. Rates subject to change at any time without notice Credit scores may adversely affect quoted rates

If you're thinking of selling or buying in the Jefferson City Missouri Area, contact Hank Vogt direct at (573)761-3485 or online at www.hankshouses.com . “I want to be your Jefferson City Real Estate Resource ~ I am at your service!”

Jefferson City Multicultural Fall Festival

Realtors: Building a Nation of Neighbors

The Jefferson City Multicultural Forum is hosting the 7th Annual fall festival at Memorial Park on Saturday, October 4th 11 am - 4 pm. This is a one day event featuring food, music, dance, booths and community information celebrating diversity in our area. The Jefferson City Area Board of Realtors will again be staffing a booth at the festival. Our goal is to promote home ownership and provide information to all cultural groups. Be sure to stop by, say hello, pick up some "goodies" provided by our affiliate members, and learn about various cultures found throughout Central Missouri.

If you're thinking of selling or buying in the Jefferson City Missouri Area, contact Hank Vogt direct at (573)761-3485 or online at www.hankshouses.com . “I want to be your Jefferson City Real Estate Resource ~ I am at your service!”

Need a good contractor? - Contact me for my "Preferred Contractor" list

As a Realtor I have the good fortune to meet great contractors whom I can turn to for tips, advice, repairs, and remodeling work. If you need the name of a good contractor, don’t hesitate to ask. I can refer someone to you from my list of preferred contractors. This list consists of contractors I’ve used personally and professionally or other agents or past clients have recommended.

I will be happy to forward my list, usually with more than one professional for each type of work for you to choose from. I also have a list of general "handy-persons". Email or call today!

Tip of the week

Inspect and/or change your furnace filters monthly: Clogged filters decrease furnace efficiency and can cause breakdowns of your system. If you are afraid to do this yourself, contact any heating/cooling company, many of them will do this during a service call.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Jefferson City Missouri Links to Local Websites

Don't forget to check out the local community websites found at the lower right area of my blog page. I have linked to several organizations, including, schools, government, Chamber of Commerce, lenders, home improvement sites, local arts and charitable organizations, hotels, local points of interest, news organizations and much more!!

If you have suggestions for links, don't hesitate to contact me, I will be happy to research the site and add them as a link here.

If you're thinking of selling or buying real estate in the Jefferson City Missouri Area, contact Hank Vogt direct at (573)761-3485 or online at www.hankshouses.com . “I want to be your Jefferson City Real Estate Resource ~ I am at your service!”

Don't wait until selling to make repairs

Home maintenance ranks low on many homeowners' priority lists. When the washing machine breaks, you might fix it to keep from having to go to the Laundromat. But, if there's no pressing need, home maintenance chores are often put off.

In the current soft real estate market, homeowners may be less inclined to pay money to make repairs around the house. However, the key to preserving the value of your home is keeping it in good condition. Read more.......

Common disputes between home buyers, sellers

One of the best ways to avoid getting into an ugly dispute involving a home purchase or sale is to be proactive. In order to do this, you need to be aware of the sorts of issues that can lead to disputes. By knowing what could possibly go wrong, you can prepare yourself to recognize a potential problem if it arises.

A common complaint that can end in a dispute is that the agent didn't act in the best interests of the party being represented; that is, the buyer or seller. Real estate agents who represent buyers or sellers in a transaction owe their client a fiduciary duty to put their client's interests above others in the transaction.

Buyers and sellers might be entitled to take legal action against agents who breached their fiduciary duty. But, why put yourself in a situation where you need to engage in a legal battle if you don't have to? Read more.......

If you're thinking of selling or buying real estate in the Jefferson City Missouri Area, contact Hank Vogt direct at (573)761-3485 or online at www.hankshouses.com . “I want to be your Jefferson City Real Estate Resource ~ I am at your service!”

Friday, September 19, 2008

Tip of the week

Stinky sink drain? Solution: Run some hot water and throw a few orange peels down the disposal and turn it on. Lemon, lime and grapefruit rinds also do the trick of removing odors.

Staging home for sale worth the cost

If you're selling your home, you obviously want to get it sold quickly and for the highest amount possible. One very important strategy to keep in mind is staging, which is simply the process of arranging the inside of your home so that it shows off to its full potential.

Staging plays up your home's good features, such as enhancing a great view or drawing the buyer's eye to some spectacular wood floors. It also helps to minimize some of the home's drawbacks, such as making a small bedroom look larger. But also understand that staging does not in any way mean concealing structural defects, such as hanging a picture over a water stain or putting curtains over a broken window!

Staging allows a potential buyer to visualize what can be done with the home, which is especially important with a house that's currently vacant. For example, some carefully arranged furniture in a room that would otherwise be empty can really help the buyer see the room's potential. And if you're in a neighborhood of tract houses that all look pretty much the same inside, good staging will set your home apart from the others for sale in the neighborhood.

Finally, good staging makes buyers feel at home. It lets them really imagine themselves in the kitchen with friends, or relaxing in front of the living room fire, or even working on their car in the garage. Read More....

If you're thinking of selling or buying real estate in the Jefferson City Missouri Area, contact Hank Vogt direct at (573)761-3485 or online at www.hankshouses.com . “I want to be your Jefferson City Real Estate Resource ~ I am at your service!”

Curb appeal tips that pay off

Imagine going on a job interview looking shabby, or trying to sell your car for a good price when it's filthy and loaded with stuff. In a competitive market, you wouldn't do well.
The same can be said about selling your home. If it looks neglected and in need of work, some buyers won't even take a look. This is particularly the case in today's market where, in many parts of the country, there are far more homeowners anxious to sell than there are buyers interested in buying.

In a business where emotions and pride of ownership play a big role, first impressions can have a lasting effect. Most buyers lack the ability to imagine what a house might look like with a different exterior paint color or a landscaped yard. When there is a lot of inventory on the market, you may have only one chance to catch a buyer's attention. Make sure it's not lost before he or she walks through the front door. Read more....

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Current Mortgage Loan Rates

Mortgage Loan Rates-July 16, 2008

30 year 6.375%
20 year 6.375%
15 year 5.875%
10 year 5.75%

Rates subject to change at any time

Provided by Lynne Bateman, Mid America Bank, 573-896-4790 Rates quoted above are for qualified borrowers with a 95% loan-to-value (LTV) or less. Please call for rates on mortgage loans with 95.01%-97% LTV. Rates subject to change at any time without notice Credit scores may adversely affect quoted rates

If you're thinking of selling or buying real estate in the Jefferson City Missouri Area, contact Hank Vogt direct at (573)761-3485 or online at www.hankshouses.com . “I want to be your Jefferson City Real Estate Resource ~ I am at your service!”

Monday, June 2, 2008

Thursday, May 29, 2008

In recognition of "Home Ownership Month" - Help build a house!

June is "Home Ownership Month" -- Along with Habitat for Humanity, The Jefferson City Area Board of Realtors is sponsoring a "build day" on a Habitat project. You can help us celebrate by Joining us on June 14th. Spend this Father's day weeknd doing something to help others!! Call the Board of Realtor's office @ 636-6721 for location and details.

Don't forget to put your flag out before coming to help as it is "Flag Day"!

REALTORS Raise over $3500 for Council for Drug Free Youth

On May 3, the Jefferson City Area Board of REALTORS, Inc. held the 2nd Annual Cinco de Mayo 10K Run and 5K Run/Walk. Thanks to the overwhelming support of our contributors and sponsors and the 84 runners and walkers, we raised over $3,500.00 for the Council for Drug Free Youth.

SPECIAL THANKS to the following generous sponsors, contributors and volunteers for making this event a success! START AND FINISH LINE SPONSORS: Central Bank, Fechtel Beverage and Sales. T-SHIRT SPONSORS: Action Realty, Appraisal Associates, Nunn & Young, Associated Real Estate Group, Custom Screen Printing, Coldwell Banker Gordon Company, Jefferson Bank, Luebbering Insurance Agency, Mehmert Group REALTORS®, RE/MAX Jefferson City, Realty Executives of Mid Missouri, Reasonable Realty, Vaughan Hughes & Co. ROUTE MARKER SPONSORS: Accord Financial, Carlene Bax, RE/MAX Jefferson City, Joyce Bremer Group, RE/MAX Jefferson City, Fields of Legends Sports Complex, Helen Lange, RE/MAX Jefferson City, Mid America Wireless (Gary Wilbers), Missouri Credit Union, Resource Home Loans, Julie Shiery, RE/MAX Jefferson City, Lyla Stark, RE/MAX Jefferson City, Wallstreet Financial (Lee Wilbers). CONTRIBUTORS: Central Bank, Cole County Abstract & Title Company, John Conrad Insurance/State Farm, Dairy Queen, El Jimador, Hawthorn Bank, HyVee, LandChoice Co., LLC/Guaranty Land Title Insurance, Lee’s Chicken, McAlister’s Deli, McDonald’s, Mid America Bank, Panera Bread, Regions Bank, River Region Credit Union, Sav-A-Lot, Schrimpf Management, VOLUNTEERS: Judy Brooks, Council for Drug Free Youth, Carolyn Brown, Coldwell Banker Gordon Co., Amanda Christian, RE/MAX Jefferson City, Gerardo Cornejo, Realty Executives of Mid-MO, Joanie Forck, Associated Real Estate Group, Tamela Frank, RE/MAX Jefferson City, Matt Glaser, Jefferson Bank, Cathy Hennessy, RE/MAX Jefferson City, Donnie Mehmert, The Mehmert Group, Josh & Emily Kampeter, Council for Drug Free Youth, Letha Moeckli, Council for Drug Free Youth, Lisa Pittman, Council for Drug Free Youth, Kim Prenger, RE/MAX Jefferson City, Carol Reichard, Council for Drug Free Youth, Donna Stone, JC Area Board of REALTORS, Sarah Stroesser, Council for Drug Free Youth, Jaclyn Teeple, Reasonable Realty, Bunnie Trickey Cotten, RE/MAX Jefferson City, Hank Vogt, RE/MAX Jefferson City, Michael VanGundy, Council for Drug Free Youth, John Weghorst, JC Roadrunners, Jami Wenzel, Vaughan Hughes & Co., Alan Wheat, Coldwell Banker Gordon Co., Dana Wildhaber, Associated Real Estate Group, Chris Wood, Jefferson Bank, Darlene Backes-Wildhaber, Associated R.E. Group.

Capital City Conference Center

It looks as though the city might be getting closer to having a convention center (finally) maybe, hopefully, possibly.....who knows!? If so, it will be great for the entire area, let's keep our fingers crossed.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Current Mortgage Rates

Mortgage loan rates Monday, May 19, 2008 at Mid America Bank

30 year fixed 6.0%
20 year fixed 5.875%
15 year fixed 5.50%
10 year fixed 5.375%

Rates quoted above are for qualified borrowers with a 95% loan-to-value (LTV) or less. Please call for rates on mortgage loans with 95.01%-97% LTV. Rates subject to change at any time without notice. Credit scores may adversely affect quoted rates

Provided by Lynne Bateman, Mid Amreica Bank, Holts Summt 573-896-4139

Price it right when selling in today's market

High inventory lets home buyers be pickier, demand more
By Dian Hymer

We're in the midst of a challenging home-sale market in many areas. However, soft markets can provide opportunities for some home sellers. The trick is to price your home right for today's market.
The most difficult reality for most sellers to face is that prices in their neighborhood may have dropped during the last year or two. Some sellers will find that it may not make sense to sell if the probable sale price is too low.
If you have the luxury of waiting for a better market, stay put for now. Be sure to check with a knowledgeable real estate agent before you make a decision to move forward -- one who knows the local market well.
HOUSE HUNTING TIP: It is an advantageous time for move-up buyers, who may have to sell for less than they would have a few years ago. But, they may also pay a lot less for the home they buy.
A seller usually has an advantage selling when there isn't much competition from other listings. Even though the listing inventory was low in some areas at the end of 2007 and the beginning of 2008, anticipate that there will be more listings coming on the market in April and May -- the traditional home-selling season.
Today's home buyers are extremely price-conscious. If there is a lot to choose from, price will certainly be a big factor. A price that's too high for the market won't bring the desired result.
More... http://www.hankv4979.remax-midstates.com/remaxmidstates/modules/agent/agent.asp?p=story&id=66296

Sellers, don't be difficult when showing home

Tips on decluttering, accommodating buyers, staying sane
By Dian Hymer

Selling a home while you're living in it can be trying during any market. Today's sellers are generally looking at a longer marketing time than was the case a few years ago. Appropriate pricing for this changing market can shorten the misery. So can taking a few precautions.
The houses that look the best are the ones that get serious attention from buyers. Preparing a house for sale is more important than ever. Keeping it in pristine condition can be a challenge, particularly for sellers with small children and pets. More... http://www.hankv4979.remax-midstates.com/remaxmidstates/modules/agent/agent.asp?p=story&id=66298